E-mail, Feeds, 'n' Stuff

Saturday, January 13, 2007

Fireman Randy on the human field goal

Portland Commissioner Randy Leonard sends along a copy of an e-mail message he wrote to some Portland residents regarding this week's infamous Fire Bureau melee:

Xxx and Xxxx-

I too was and am very troubled by what I saw on the video.

I hope you understand that there is going to be an extenstive and very serious investigation of this incident and that it would be inappropriate for me to make any comment until that investigation is completed. At that time, I am happy to give you my impresson of the incident based on all of what will be learned during the current investigation.

I will tell you that, in my experience, I have never seen or heard of an incident involving firefighters in an incident such as what I observed on the video. However, I do think it is important to listen to all sides during the investigation before any of us draw a conclusion...yet.

I have the highest confidence in both Commissioner Erik Sten and Fire Chief David Sprando that they will make their judgements based on the facts and then take the appropriate action.

As to the CoP response, quite apart from that of the duty of the DA to do his job, I would look no further than how the hiring policy treats the existence of a prior assault charge before hiring an applicant. Conduct that would prevent the hiring of someone should surely be something that any employee would be on notice of -- actual or constructive -- as not tolerated.

The right to demand a jury trial is recognized on behalf of the state as well as a defendant. This right of the public cannot and should not be subsumed by the political vagaries of a legislative type body, here by the city officials. Should I really have to bark out here about the resemblance this has to other places -- and times -- in the rest of the world? Creeping authoritarianism, in plain sight, through acquiescence and apathy.

While I'm not a big fan of Commissioner Leonard in general, I think this was a pretty good response. At least he is giving the system a chance to do what it's supposed to do. As with children, sometimes the best approach is to let them know that we expect them to do the right thing.

But they're not passing judgement on anybody: nothing but tabula rosas here.

Judgement implies the assignation of guilt or responsibility which Leonard pointedly did NOT do. He saw the video, was "very troubled" by what he saw, and stated that fact. That you honestly expect anyone to be a "tabula rasa" after seeing that video is simply ridiculous. Even taking into account your situational ethics and pro-cop/firefighter/union bias, etc., if you aren't, at the least, troubled with what you saw, then apparently nothing troubles you. Seeing the video may elicit different reactions in different people, but having no reaction at all is just impossible in the real world. You see what you see and it's tabula scripta

I'm troubled by the Tram Scam, Portland's underinvestment in public infrastructure, and the hypocrisy of a progressive community with a disproportionately huge (and largely drug/alcohol addicted) homeless population that is banning trans-fats and smoking in public parks.

But if Commissioner Leonard claims to be "very troubled" and then says he's withholding comment until the investigation is complete, then I'm confused. If he already told us he's "very troubled" then he's not withholding his comments entirely.

Road Work

Miles run year to date: 113
At this date last year: 155
Total run in 2016: 155
In 2015: 271
In 2014: 401
In 2013: 257
In 2012: 129
In 2011: 113
In 2010: 125
In 2009: 67
In 2008: 28
In 2007: 113
In 2006: 100
In 2005: 149
In 2004: 204
In 2003: 269